Florida State University

Florida State is a large public university in the state capital of Tallahassee, a city near the northern border that's also home to Florida A&M University. Florida State has about 33,000 undergraduates. Designated a preeminent research university by the state legislature, FSU is also known for its criminal justice programs as well as its film school. The cost of attendance is average, but FSU's graduation rate is higher than the national median. FSU is also willing to help facilitate gap years for freshmen who want to take some time to volunteer or complete on internship. FSU isn't just about academics -- Tallahassee is notorious for its party scene. The culture is dominated by Greek life and sports, and Seminoles love to hate on their rivals, the Florida Gators. They delight in watching Osceola and horse Renegade take the field before football games. Next time you're on campus, check out the Westcott Fountain, where tradition dictates students get dunked on their 21st birthdays, or stop by Strozier Library, which is home to the country's first double-sided Starbucks.